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What benefits are there to having a water feature and what types of features are there?
Peter, Savannah, GA

There are as many reasons to create a water feature, as there are people to create them. Whether you enjoy design and creation, are intrigued by Koi, or just love the sounds and sights of flowing water, there is a water feature available for you. Just as the saying goes for snowflakes, your uniqueness and the plethora of available options ensures that no two water features are alike.

Understanding the options that are available to you is the first step to falling in love with the type of feature that best fits your location and lifestyle. Water features can be as simple as a small fountain or as complex as a multi-level water garden with fish, waterfalls and plants. The three biggest factors that come into play when you choose the type of water feature you would like to install are: 1) how quickly you would like the feature constructed, 2) how much space do you have to accommodate your water feature, 3) how much you are willing to invest to construct your water feature.

Small water features like Aquascape Mini Fountain Kits or container type water features are great for people who are on the go, don’t have much time to invest in construction and pond maintenance but are looking to get their feet wet in the ponding field. These types of water features take up a very small area while providing the sights and sounds of flowing water. Container type water features can be created with any type of water-holding basin and can contain plants, water spitters and even a small fish or two. Creative pond owners have used old wash basins, sealed wood barrels and other materials for their container type feature.

If you have ever walked through the garden center of a DIY home or builder’s supply store you have surely come across those big plastic molds we call preformed ponds. These preformed basins provide the layout of your pond allowing you to simply dig a hole in your yard accordingly and landscape around the installed basin. These types of ponds require a little more homework on your part as you will have to install a filtration system like the All-In-One. These are a great starting point for people who are interested in starting their first in ground pond but aren’t ready to invest in large-scale construction.

For those of you who are looking to upgrade to a bigger pond or would like a more creative design, installing a pond using 45 mil rubber pond liner allows you the freedom to create virtually any size and shape pond you can imagine. Waterfalls and streams can also be created using rubber liner adding even more character to your water feature. Along with designing an entire pond from scratch comes the knowledge required to select and properly locate skimmer boxes, waterfall boxes, rocks and pumps necessary to sustain a balanced pond. Pond Kits are available to save you the time of having to select the proper parts for your project. Your pond will also require natural water treatments to keep it healthy and clean. If you want to enjoy a large scale stream or waterfall but are concerned about pond maintenance or have small kids, consider a pondless waterfall kit which retains pond water underground.

When constructed properly a water feature will blend perfectly into both your lifestyle and your home, allowing you to enjoy the tranquility and beauty these ponds provide, while boosting the value and appeal of your home. Take your time when looking at the different types of water features and choose what’s best for you, it will be well worth your investment.

We actually have 2 garden ponds, both in the front yard. The first was to have a garden pond. The second one was to hide a bunch of tree stumps. The power company took down several trees in this particular area and it was easier to pile the soil UP than to remove the stumps. That was what suggested to my husband that he could install an even better garden pond than the first, pre-formed one. The bottom to our second one is pre-formed but he took liberties in building the upper half which has a fish spitting water into a small pool below before it flows over the top portion of the pond, the waterfall shelf and into the bottom pond.

Our resident bullfrogs, Sumo and Kermit, move back and forth between the two ponds. You never know where you will find them…sometimes in the same pond, sometimes in separate ponds. At times you will find them (or a new smaller frog) in the little pool at the top of the pond. They sun themselves on the rocks around the edge. The smaller ones actually do sit on the lily ‘pads’.

We have fish in both ponds…most of them are over 5 years old. Last year we had a few baby fish and 2 orange and 2 black ones survived. They are about 2 1/2″ long as of the other day. We had one warm day and the ice was totally off both ponds. All fish are present and accounted for…way down near the bottom. Can’t wait for warmer weather to thoroughly enjoy the fish without trekking through thigh-deep snow to check on them!

Time is coming quickly when I need to restart my small, in-ground (rubber lined) backyard pond. It has a pump (stored inside over the winter, in water) for the waterfall. Are there any special things that need to be done, in addition to cleaning the pond and pump and adding the pond enzymes and bacteria?

Sounds like you already have a pretty good idea of what needs to be done. I would also check any filter media to make sure it is still in tact, add or repot any plants if needed and if you do a water change be sure to condition the water with water conditioner, then you should be on your way to a successful ponding season. Good Luck!